Understanding HTML Tags
Explore the essential building blocks of web development
What are HTML Tags?
HTML tags are the fundamental components used in HTML (HyperText Markup Language), which is the standard language for creating web pages. Tags are the instructions that define the structure and layout of a web page and are enclosed in angle brackets.
Basic Structure
Every HTML document starts with the <!DOCTYPE html>
declaration, followed by the <html>
tag which wraps the entire content. A basic HTML structure looks like this:
<!DOCTYPE html> <html> <head> <title>Page Title</title> </head> <body> <h1>This is a Heading</h1> <p>This is a paragraph.</p> </body> </html>
Types of HTML Tags
- Block Tags: These tags create blocks of content and are displayed on new lines. Examples include
<div>
,<h1> - <h6>
(headings), and<p>
(paragraph). - Inline Tags: These tags do not start on a new line and are contained within block tags. Examples include
<span>
,<strong>
, and<em>
. - Self-Closing Tags: These tags do not require a closing tag. They include
<br>
(line break),<img>
(image), and<hr>
(horizontal rule).
Commonly Used Tags
Tag | Description |
---|---|
<a> |
Defines a hyperlink, which is used to link from one page to another. |
<img> |
Used to embed images in a web page. |
<ul> |
Creates an unordered list, typically displayed with bullet points. |
<ol> |
Defines an ordered list, displayed with numbers. |
<table> |
Used to create a table in a web page. |
Conclusion
Understanding HTML tags is essential for anyone looking to create or edit web pages. By mastering these tags, developers can structure their content effectively and create a better user experience on the web. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced web developer, reviewing these basic components can provide clarity and enhance your workflow.